There are so many metaphors that can be invoked when describing the unique experience of reading a good book.

Magic carpet is my preference and others’ metaphors include a window, a mirror, an opening or awakening, discovering a magic garden, and a feast to feed the mind or soul or both.

In his brilliant TED program Mac Barnett suggests that reading a good book opens a secret door, a magical door. Childhood is surreal. Why shouldn’t children’s books be? In this whimsical talk, the award-winning author speaks about writing that escapes the page, art as a doorway to wonder — and what real kids say to a fictional whale.

Mac is the author of fifteen books for children. He was the executive director of 826LA, a nonprofit writing center, and founded the Echo Park Time Travel Mart, a convenience store for time travelers. In this talk about creativity and wonder, he explains why kids are the ideal readers of literary fiction — and what adults can learn from them about imagination and the willing suspension of disbelief.

Here’s a direct link to his TED program. Enjoy!

To visit his website, please click here.